Although Petipa's creation was not the first ballet to be made from the Don Quixote story, it is by far the most successful and well remembered through several revivals. This is possibly because it was created at the height of Petipa's choreographic career.

(Gypsy and Oriental Dances choreographed: Nina Anisimova)

Libretto: Marius Petipa based on the novel: Miguel de CervantesPremiere of Alexander Gorskyís version: 6 December 1900, Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow

Don Quixote, having read his fill of romances about knights and chivalry, decides to set off on his travels in order to achieve great feats, which will bring glory to his name. As his sword-bearer, he chooses the loyal Sancho Panza, a man of sober outlook who is not prone to dreams.

Act I

In Barcelona there is festive anima≠tion in the air. Kitri, daughter of the innkeeper, is flirting with Basilio, the barber, who is in love with her. Finding them together Lorenzo, Kitriís father, chases Basilio away: the barber is no fit match for his daughter. Lorenzo intends Kitri to marry Gamache, a rich noble≠man. Kitri refuses outright to submit to her fatherís will.

At the height of the merry-making, Don Quixote appears in the square, accompanied by his sword bearer, Sancho Panza. Catching sight of the innkeeper, Don Quixote mistakes him for the owner of a knightís castle and greets him with respect. Lorenzo responds in like terms and invites Don Quixote into the inn. Sancho Panza is left in the square. But when some young people start to mock Sancho, Don Quixote immediately hurries to his sword-bearerís rescue.

Seeing Kitri, Don Quixote thinks she is the beautiful Dulcinea whom he has seen in his dreams and chosen as Ďthe lady of his heartí. But Kitri disappears. She has run off with Basilio. Lorenzo, Gamache and Don Quixote set out to look for her.†

Act II

Scene 1 Kitri and Basilio are hiding in a tavern. Here they are found by Lorenzo, Gamache and Don Quixote. Lorenzo wishes to make an immediate announce≠ment of the betrothal of Kitri and Gamache. But Basilio, by agreement with Kitri, pretends to take his life. Kitri sobs over the body of her sweetheart. Don Quixote overcÓme by noble indignation accuses Lorenzo of hardheartedness and, threatening him with his sword forces him to agree to his daughterís marriage with the barber Basilio jumps to his feet. There is no point in him pretending to be dead am longer.

Scene 2 In the glade by the windmills is a sprawling gipsy encampment. Here too is a puppet theatre. Don Quixote and Sancho soon appear on the scene. The owner of the puppet theatre invites Don Quixote to watch a show. Don Quixote follows the performance with rapt attention and, forgetting it is theatre, rushes on to the stage, sword in hand, to defend those who need his protection. He breaks down the stage, sends the puppets flying and, catching sight of the windmills, mistakes them for evil magicians whom he has to get the better of. Grabbing a mill sail, he is first lifted into the air and then falls to the ground.

Scene 3 The wounded Don Quixote and Sancho Panza find themselves in a forest. To Don Quixote, the forest seems to be full of monsters and giants. Sancho Panza settles Don Quixote down to sleep, while he runs off for help. In his dreams, Don Quixote sees Dulcinea, Ďthe lady of his heartí, surrounded by Dryads and fairies Sancho Panza comes back with the Duke and Duchess who have been hunting in the forest. He begs them to help the dreaming Don Quixote. The Duke and Duchess invite the wandering knight to visit them m their castle.†

Act III

The Dukeís castle. All is ready for the reception of Don Quixote. Having heard from Sancho Panza the happy story of Kitri and Basilioís love, the Duke and Duchess have kindly agreed to allow them to hold their wedding in the castle. Don Quixote and Sancho Panza are invited to occupy the seats of honor. A solemn procession files past. Catching sight of Kitri, Don Quixote again mis≠takes her for Ďthe lady of his reveriesí. But the Duke and Sancho Panza manage to persuade him that she is the very same innkeeperís daughter whom he helped to unite with Basilio, her sweetheart. The festivities continue. All thank the va≠liant knight and his faithful sword-bearer.